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Onyango going nowhere
Sundowns and Onyango want to keep winning.
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Onyango added, as quoted by South African publication Soccer Laduma: “The body will speak to me, but I am still here. I speak with confidence that I am still at Mamelodi Sundowns for another season."
Denis Onyango remains Uganda and South Africa’s most decorated footballer, further stretching the gap with his 12th national premiership title as Mamelodi Sundowns sealed their eighth in a row at the weekend.
And with the Caf Champions League final first leg looming this weekend, the 40-year-old shot-stopper says he is far from done.
“Yeah, I am still playing,” said Onyango, whose first three national titles came at SuperSport United.
“The club still has to speak to me, but I still believe I have the energy to support the boys. To be honest, I am still here. One more (season).”
Onyango added, as quoted by South African publication Soccer Laduma: “The body will speak to me, but I am still here. I speak with confidence that I am still at Mamelodi Sundowns for another season."
Huge influence
While Onyango’s minutes on the pitch have reduced over the years since the arrival of South African goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, the Ugandan’s role is far more than just game time.
"For me,” he added, “it's about showing the youngsters it's possible - regardless of your age.” Onyango celebrated his 40th birthday on May 15.
“I am probably two percent left. I have exhausted the 98 percent. It's for the young ones to know that you need to work hard to get to where you want to be.
"Talent alone is not enough. I am not the most talented goalkeeper, but when we work at training, Ronwen and I give the same. It does not matter how old I am; I must give the same. If I can't give the same, then I must retire.”
Team effort
Of course, Onyango never set out to win 12 league titles in South Africa when he pulled off those early saves at SC Villa, before charting a path down south via St George in Ethiopia.
"To be honest,” he admitted, “I never thought it would get to 12. But the moment you work hard and go to the right teams, things open up. Twelve is a lot, but there are people who are on eight, and they can catch up anytime.
"For me, it's an incredible thing to be part of the group that has won eight in a row. It has not been easy. We didn't start off well - with a few challenges and a change of coaches.
"But the guys stayed focused because we knew the target: win the league, stay in the Champions League, and win more trophies. For me, it's been about pushing the young ones and showing them the bigger picture."
Champions League beckons
Even with reduced minutes, Onyango has been quite involved this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions for the record PSL champions.
His presence gives the Sundowns technical bench a rich option when first-choice keeper Ronwen Williams is unavailable.
Onyango’s experience is also invaluable for third-choice goalkeeper Jody February. With both Onyango and Williams to learn from, the youngster is in the best possible hands.
The Ugandan legend and Masandawana now shift focus to the first leg of the Caf Champions League final this Saturday when they host Egypt’s Pyramids, aiming to lift the trophy for a second time after their 2016 triumph.
Caf Champions League final
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - First Leg
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Pyramids (Egypt)
Onyango's major club and individual accolades
12x PSL Champion
1x Caf Champions League
1x African Football League
1x Caf Super Cup
3x Telkom Cups
2x Nedbank Cups
1x MTN 8 Cup
1x African-based Player of the Year
